A source at Ford Motor Company says the motorsports division expects the Ford Mustang to replace the Fusion in the Busch series. “We’re expecting to run the Mustang in 2009,” the source said. It’s the first confirmation from a manufacturer what I first reported in early 2006 – that the cars in the Busch series, which will be called the Nationwide series in 2008 and beyond – may soon be substantially different from the cars in the top-tier Nextel Cup series. NASCAR is expected to require the Busch cars to be built to a safety specification similar to the Nextel Cup “Car of Tomorrow,” which becomes the standard car after the Daytona 500 in February. If a makeover will be required anyway for the 2009 season, logic suggests that would be a good time for a nameplate change, as well. That said, it may not be a done deal. Reportedly Chevyt is balking at running the Camaro in the NASCAR series. Rumors suggest that Dodge is considering a Busch series version of the Challenger. Also, the move to “pony car” coupes could cause a problem for Toyota. The Camry Solara, a two-door sedan version of the top-selling car in the United States, may disappear after the 2008 model year. If the move to the Mustang, et al, is to be made for 2009, that announcement would be expected soon after the first of next year.(Orlando Sentinel)(11-30-2007)
